Benfica have officially written to Hearts of Oak expressing their interest in striker Mahatma Otoo, Ghana Sports can confirm.
The Portuguese giants emerged as candidates for the hit-man who has scored 18 goals in all competitions for Hearts this season.
Benfica were hoping to land Mahatma on free transfer, but news of the 21-year-old agreeing a new one-year deal with the Phobians means they must go to the negotiating table with Hearts.
However, they are not the only club interested in the Ghana international striker.
South African Premier League side Mamelodi Sundowns have also contacted Hearts about their striker.
English side Sunderland and Olympique Lyon have all been mentioned in the past.